NSW Science Week 2014 highlights

National Science Week (16-24 August) is fast approaching and there are hundreds of opportunities for you to get involved. Find out what the big Sydney presenters are doing, what’s in store for the regions and where you might be able to join the celebration by volunteering or showcasing your own science at an expo or live presentation event.

Neural Knitworks
Neural Knitworks is a collaborative project about mind and brain health. Whether you’re a whiz with yarn, or just discovering the joy of craft, now you can crochet wrap, knit or knot – and find out about neuroscience. Neural Knitworks invites your contributions of handmade neurons to a travelling brain exhibition that will kick off during National Science Week at the Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre in August. Get hold of free patterns and inspiring microscopic images from the National Science week website Join the Neural Knitworks Facebook Group to find out about upcoming workshops and how to host your own knitwork.
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My Geeks Rule
Adam Spencer and Dr Karl will join forces as Sleek Geeks to present their hilarious new science show My Geeks Rule at Sydney Town Hall. Tickets will be available closer to the event. Follow @adamspence and @DoctorKarl on Twitter to find out when tickets are released.

Wednesday 13 August, Sydney Town Hall, free

Forward Momentum
Discover how modern physics has driven groundbreaking advances in medicine and biology, from imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) to treatments such as cancer radiation therapy. Associate Professor Zdenka Kuncic reveals current research and explores the changing the landscape of biomedical research.

Wednesday 20 August, University of Sydney, free
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Fact or Fiction
You may like your sci-fi films and you may love science, but are you confused about what is science fact and what is science fiction? The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) will present its popular, interactive, family friendly show at the University of Sydney.

Thursday 14 August, 6 pm, free
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Australian Museum Science Festival
With hands-on science activities, talks, shows and workshops for school students at the Museum, in Sydney suburbs and NSW regional locations, Australia’s biggest Science Festival brings together the scientific community to educate and excite the next generation. Festival staff are now taking school bookings, seeking participants for the science expo and volunteers to help with demonstrations and more. Contact the Science Communication Unit on (02) 9320 6389 or send an email.

Schools program kicks off 12 August and open day is on 16 August
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Science in the Swamp
Dozens of hands on activities, talks, tours and demonstrations in Centennial Parklands at Lachlan Swamp. Organisers are now inviting participation by science presenters who are encouraged to set up stalls and use this opportunity to engage the community in their research. Contact education ranger Jalyn Neysmith to confirm your interest. Presented by the Eastern Sydney Science Hub.
Saturday 16 August, 11am-3pm, free
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Indigenous Science Fun Day
Get hands-on with science and Aboriginal culture by making a stone axe, playingwith chemistry, making your own slime, exploring the microbial world, competing in the gravity race. Share a cuppa with elders from around Australia and learn about science from an Indigenous perspective. Find out more by following National Science Education Program onFacebook

Redfern Community Centre, Saturday 21 August, 10.30am-2.30pm, free

Endeavouring Science
The Australian National Maritime Museum will again present Endeavouring Science, a unique event where you can discover how science techniques have changed over the last 200 years by exploring the science of weather and navigation, biology and botany, signals and communication on board the HMB Endeavour. Dates to be confirmed

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Space Oddity
Space Oddity presents a super science session with astronaut Chris Hadfield, biologist Carin Bondar (both from Canada) Destin from the SmarterEveryDay youtube channel (US), Nerd comedian Dr Justine Rogers and Australia’s youtube science star Derek Muller from Catalyst and Veritasium. Follow ScienceAlert on Twitter and Facebook to ensure you don’t miss out on tickets for Sydney’s two sessions.
Saturday 23 August, 5pm for all ages, 7.30pm for over 18s, Powerhouse Museum

Events across regional NSW

A number of NSW projects were awarded funding from a Federal grants pool worth $500,000 allocated to 39 projects nationally. In addition, funding of $70,000 has been allocated to a wide array of science engagement programs across NSW. From knitting neurons and star gazing to science carnivals and natural wilderness adventures, initiatives funded under the NSW Regional Science Grants Program will spark new interest in science amongst people of all ages. Adding to the regional mix will be 54 NSW schools, funded to present National Science Week events through grants awarded by the Australian Science Teachers’ Association.
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